Opelousas Marshal reverses statement on Angelle case

On Wednesday, Opelousas City Marshal Paul Mouton told News 10 KLFY the state police had investigated and cleared one of his men, Deputy Marshal Frank Angelle, of any wrong doing following allegations he sent 16-year-old Alexis Ahart to the hospital with a sprained wrist.

Thursday, the state police told News 10 their department never conducted any such investigation.

“After speaking with the chief we were able to determine that state police assistance wasn't needed at this time,” says State Police Spokesman Trooper Stephen Hammons.

Hammons says Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow is solely looking into the accusations that Angelle sent Ahart to the hospital following a physical altercation.

On Wednesday, Opelousas City Marshal Paul Mouton told News 10 that Angelle was cleared of all charges by state police.

“State police did an investigation and found him clear,” said Mouton on Wednesday.

But, less than 24 hours later he retracted that statement.

“I might have to correct that. The state police came here and talked to me. They weren't handling the case,” says Mouton.

Mouton explains why he thought state police were conducting an investigation in Angelle: “When they were investigating I thought the state police cleared him in the investigation, but we only talked to the—that's all. That's all I did is talk to the state police.”

Hammons says he made it clear to Mouton there was no state police investigation into Angelle.

“We let him know Opelousas police will be handling the investigation and at no time were was asked or did we investigate anything.,” says Hammons.

Mouton also explains why he thought the state police cleared Angelle: “Because, I said, I'm 100 percent behind my deputy. I think he is innocent. I think he's being harassed and our attorney is looking into it,” says Mouton.

The city police department re-opened the case against Angelle this month after more witnesses came forward.